Boone Pickens Homepage           Electronic Publishing Center
	Introduction for Adopt-a-School Amarillo, TX 2 March 1989

Welcome... It's an honor for me to be here tonight, as I'm sure it is for all of you.

Your efforts with AISD's Adopt-a-School Program have not gone unnoticed; that's what this dinner is about.

But you don't give support for the recognition; I'm sure you give for the same reason Mesa does... to secure the future of our children.

The importance of public education cannot be over-emphasized.

The children in our public schools are the future of our community, of Texas and of the entire country.

They must be strong and prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead; Only a good education can give them that strength.

I'm an Amarillo High graduate, and all of my children attended public schools here.

I've seen firsthand how graduates from our public schools go on to compete against those from across the country.

They must be prepared to compete in college, in business and throughout life.

We must give them the proper foundation now, so they'll be able to build a good life for families later.

Mesa is proud to have adopted the Carver magnet school; It will have the innovative and independent spirit that we stress at Mesa.

And I'm proud to see that we're in such good company.

Your activism and your generous contributions will give Amarillo's children the edge they will need to succeed in life.

And their success will ensure a bright future for all of us.

Now, I would like to introduce the President of AISD's Board of Trustees, who will deliver tonight's invocation.

He's been on the AISD board for 9 years and has been behind the Adopt-a-School program from the beginning.

He has strived throughout his tenure to provide the best education to Amarillo students by creating a partnership between the schools, businesses and parents.

Please welcome, Mr. Howard Smith.